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Who Emerges? Ranking the Steelers’ Most Intriguing Offensive Breakout Players

Bo Marchionte

Host · Writer

6) Darnell Washington
Who Rises Up as Fourth Option

While Jaylen Warren, DK Metcalf, and Michael Pittman Jr. project as the focal points of Pittsburgh's offense, the supporting cast could be what elevates the unit to another level. Rico Dowdle, Germie Bernard, Pat Freiermuth, and Roman Wilson each bring a different dimension to Mike McCarthy's system.

Dowdle provides a dependable complement in the backfield, Bernard adds speed and big-play potential as a rookie, Freiermuth remains a reliable target over the middle and in the red zone, and Wilson has the opportunity to take a significant leap in his second season.

Together, they give Aaron Rodgers a deep collection of playmakers capable of exploiting favorable matchups. If each player settles into his role, the Steelers won't be relying on just three stars they'll feature one of the deepest and most balanced collections of offensive weapons McCarthy has coached in years.

History says it’s receiver followed by tight end but Dowdle has experience in Dallas with McCarthy does that give him confidence in more playing time.

Green Bay Packers (2006–2017) 4th-Highest Offensive Yardage Producer
- 2006: Vernand Morency (RB) - 421 rushing yards
- 2007: James Jones (WR) - 676 receiving yards
- 2008: Jordy Nelson (WR) - 366 receiving yards
- 2009: Jermichael Finley (TE) - 676 receiving yards
- 2010: Jordy Nelson (WR) - 582 receiving yards
- 2011: Jermichael Finley (TE) - 767 receiving yards
- 2012: Jordy Nelson (WR) - 745 receiving yards
- 2013: Jarrett Boykin (WR) - 681 receiving yards
- 2014: Davante Adams (WR) - 446 receiving yards
- 2015: James Starks (RB) - 601 rushing yards
- 2016: Randall Cobb (WR) - 610 receiving yards
- 2017: Jordy Nelson (WR) - 482 receiving yards
Dallas Cowboys (2020–2024) 4th-Highest Offensive Yardage Producer
- 2020: Michael Gallup (WR) - 843 receiving yards
- 2021: Dalton Schultz (TE) - 808 receiving yards
- 2022: Dalton Schultz (TE) - 577 receiving yards
- 2023: Jake Ferguson (TE) - 761 receiving yards
- 2024: Jake Ferguson (TE) - 494 receiving yards
Overall, Fourth Highest in Yardage by Position
- Receivers: 9
- Tight Ends: 6
- Running Backs: 2
Green Bay (2006-2017)
- Receivers: 8
- Running Backs: 2
- Tight Ends: 2
Dallas (2020-2024)
- Tight Ends: 4
- Running Backs: 1
1) Mike McCarthy
Mike McCarthy's Record and Scoring Offenses by Season

The Pittsburgh Steelers ranked 15^th in the National Football League in points per game. It’s in the middle of the pack and in comparison, to how the offense used to function during the Ben Roethlisberger era.

Since his retirement (2021), Pittsburgh’s offenses have failed to deliver.

However, Steeler Nation is not into mediocrity. It’s what eventually led to Mike Tomlin losing his grip on the team despite never enduring a losing season over his 19 years in Pittsburgh.

Mike McCarthy’s resume with offenses in superior.

Entering his 19^th season as a head coach. His offenses have ranked in the top ten twelve times and finished number one four times.

A successful offensive unit seems apparently in the cards for Pittsburgh and we’re going to skim through the Steelers offensive weapons and find out who are the going to be the main ingredients in McCarthy’s system.

2006
- Packers
- Record: 8-8
- Ranked Offense: 22nd
2007
- Packers
- Record: 13-3
- Ranked Offense: 4th
2008
- Packers
- Record: 6-10
- Ranked Offense: 5th
2009
- Packers
- Record: 11-5
- Ranked Offense: 3rd
2010
- Packers
- Record: 10-6
- Ranked Offense: 10th
2011
- Packers
- Record: 15-1
- Ranked Offense: 1st
2012
- Packers
- Record: 11-5
- Ranked Offense: 5th
2013
- Packers
- Record: 8-7-1
- Ranked Offense: 8th
2014
- Packers
- Record: 12-4
- Ranked Offense: 1st
2015
- Packers
- Record: 10-6
- Ranked Offense: 15th
2016
- Packers
- Record: 10-6
- Ranked Offense: 4th
2017
- Packers
- Record: 7-9
- Ranked Offense: 21st (Aaron Rodgers missed significant time)
2018
- Packers
- Record: 4-7-1 (Fired after 12 games)
- Ranked Offense: 14th
2020
- Cowboys
- Record: 6-10
- Ranked Offense: 17th (Dak Prescott injured)
2021
- Cowboys
- Record: 12-5
- Ranked Offense: 1st
2022
- Cowboys
- Record: 12-5
- Ranked Offense: 4th
2023
- Cowboys
- Record: 12-5
- Ranked Offense: 1st (McCarthy called plays)
2024
- Cowboys
- Record: 7-10
- Ranked Offense: 21st
1) Aaron Rodgers
Mike McCarthy's Quarterback

Few quarterbacks have enjoyed the level of success Aaron Rodgers experienced under Mike McCarthy.

During their 13 seasons together as starter and head coach in Green Bay, Rodgers threw for more than 59,000 passing yards, 475 touchdown passes, won four NFL MVP awards, and helped deliver a victory in Super Bowl XLV. Now reunited in Pittsburgh, the pair hopes to recapture that same offensive chemistry.

It’s clear that Rodgers is the starting quarterback and being one of the statistical leaders on the Steelers roster this season.

Notable Career Numbers Under Mike McCarthy (Green Bay)
- 59,055 passing yards in 17 seasons with Green Bay.
- 475 passing touchdowns with the Packers.
- 2011 NFL MVP: 4,643 passing yards, 45 TDs, 122.5 passer rating.
- 2020 NFL MVP: Career-high 48 touchdown passes with a league-best 70.7% completion percentage.
- Threw for 4,000+ passing yards in 10 seasons under McCarthy.
- Passed for 30 or more touchdowns in nine seasons.
- Career-best 45 touchdown passes came in 2011 before topping it with 48 in 2020.
- Finished with a 65.3% completion percentage and 7.7 yards per attempt during his Green Bay career.
- Won Super Bowl XLV and earned Super Bowl MVP honors under McCarthy.
Career Snapshot
- 21 NFL seasons
- 264 games played (257 starts)
- 163-93-1 career record as a starter
- 5,696 completions
- 8,743 pass attempts
- 1% career completion percentage
- 66,274 career passing yards
- 527 passing touchdowns
- 123 interceptions
- 0% touchdown rate
- 4% interception rate
- 3,151 career first downs passing
- 8% passing success rate
- 6 yards per attempt
- 2 adjusted yards per attempt
- 6 yards per completion
- 93-yard career-long completion
- Four NFL MVP Awards (2011, 2014, 2020, 2021)
- Super Bowl XLV Champion & MVP
- 10 Pro Bowls
- 5 First-Team All-Pro selections
Projections
- Yards: 3,679
- Touchdowns: 26
- Interceptions: 9
2) Jaylen Warren
The Engine That Keeps the Chains Moving

Mike McCarthy has always valued backs who do more than simply carry the football. They must protect the quarterback, catch passes, stay on schedule and create hidden yardage. Jaylen Warren checks every one of those boxes.

After emerging as Pittsburgh's unquestioned lead back in 2025, Warren enters the season coming off career highs across the board. His violent running style, exceptional contact balance and receiving ability make him an ideal fit for McCarthy's offense, where running backs have historically been featured in both the rushing and passing game.

What To Expect

Last season, Warren nearly split the backfield with Kenneth Gainwell, who logged 517 offensive snaps compared to 489 for Warren. Gainwell essentially assumed the third-down role Warren once held when Najee Harris was Pittsburgh's primary early-down back. That was evident in the passing game, where Gainwell drew 85 targets compared to 42 for Warren.

With Gainwell now in Tampa Bay, those passing-game opportunities are up for grabs. While newcomer Rico Dowdle brings value as a runner, he doesn't offer the same receiving profile.

That could open the door for Warren to see a noticeable increase in targets and receptions, making him an even bigger weapon in McCarthy's West Coast offense in 2026.

Career Snapshot
- 4 NFL seasons
- 557 rushing attempts
- 2,632 rushing yards
- 12 rushing touchdowns
- 167 receptions
- 1,227 receiving yards
- 2 receiving touchdowns
- 7 career yards per carry
- Career-high 958 rushing yards in 2025
Projections
- Carries: 220
- Yards: 979
- Targets: 59
- Catches: 52
- Yards: 379
- Touchdowns: 2
Green Bay Packers Leading Rushers 2006-17 (McCarthy coached 12 games in 2018)
- 2006: Ahman Green - 1,059 yards
- 2007: Ryan Grant - 956 yards
- 2008: Ryan Grant - 1,203 yards
- 2009: Ryan Grant - 1,253 yards
- 2010: Brandon Jackson - 703 yards
- 2011: Ryan Grant - 559 yards
- 2012: Alex Green - 464 yards
- 2013: Eddie Lacy - 1,178 yards
- 2014: Eddie Lacy - 1,139 yards
- 2015: Eddie Lacy - 758 yards
- 2016: Ty Montgomery - 457 yards
- 2017: Jamaal Williams - 556 yards
Dallas Cowboys Leading Rushers 2020-24
- 2020: Ezekiel Elliott - 979 yards
- 2021: Ezekiel Elliott - 1,002 yards
- 2022: Ezekiel Elliott - 876 yards
- 2023: Tony Pollard - 1,005 yards
- 2024: Rico Dowdle - 1,079 yards
3) DK Metcalf
Pittsburgh Finally Has Its Alpha

Debate still lingers if DK Metcalf was worth 4-year, $132 million contract extension with the Steelers in March of 2025, that included $60 million guaranteed.

His combination of size, long speed and play strength forces defensive coordinators to alter coverages. Press him and he can run through defenders. Play off and he quickly eats cushion before exploding vertically. Even when he isn't catching passes, Metcalf changes how defenses align.

While the 2025 statistics were below his Seattle standards, the tape still shows a player capable of flipping field position with one play. McCarthy has consistently built explosive passing attacks around physical No. 1 receivers, and Metcalf could be next in line.

If Aaron Rodgers has time, expect plenty of deep overs, fades and play-action shots built around Pittsburgh's newest offensive centerpiece.

What to Expect

Heading into the 2026 season, I feel comfortable suggesting McCarthy’s offense will take advantage of Metcalf’s skillset in a far more creative way than previous offensive coordinator Authur Smith.

His first season in Pittsburgh last year provided career lows in receiving yards (850) and targets (99). Metcalf’s 59 receptions ranked second lowest compared to his 58 his rookie season in Seattle in 2019.

Appearing in 15 games last season and assuming 17 is in the cards, along with McCarthy’s offense in Pittsburgh, a casual bump in targets, receptions, yards and touchdowns should favor Metcalf in 2026.

Career Snapshot
- 7 NFL seasons
- 497 receptions
- 7,174 receiving yards
- 54 receiving touchdowns
- 4 yards per reception
- Three 1,000-yard receiving seasons
- Career-best 1,303 receiving yards (2020)
- Two-time Pro Bowl selection
Projections
- Targets: 101
- Receptions: 68
- Yards: 1,015
- Touchdowns: 6
Green Bay Packers – Top 2 Receiving Yard Leaders by Season (2006–2017)

2006
- Donald Driver - 1,295
- Greg Jennings - 632
2007
- Donald Driver - 1,048
- Greg Jennings - 920
2008
- Greg Jennings - 1,292
- Donald Driver - 1,012
2009
- Greg Jennings - 1,113
- Donald Driver - 1,061
2010
- Greg Jennings - 1,265
- Donald Driver - 565
2011
- Jordy Nelson - 1,263
- Greg Jennings - 949
2012
- Randall Cobb - 954
- James Jones - 784
2013
- Jordy Nelson - 1,314
- Jarrett Boykin - 681
2014
- Jordy Nelson - 1,519
- Randall Cobb - 1,287
2015
- James Jones - 890
- Randall Cobb - 829
2016
- Jordy Nelson - 1,257
- Davante Adams - 997
2017
- Davante Adams - 885
- Randall Cobb - 653
Dallas Cowboys - Top 2 Receiving Yard Leaders by Season (2020–2024)

2020
- Amari Cooper - 1,114
- CeeDee Lamb - 935
2021
- CeeDee Lamb - 1,102
- Amari Cooper - 865
2022
- CeeDee Lamb - 1,359
- Dalton Schultz - 577
2023
- CeeDee Lamb - 1,749
- Brandin Cooks - 657
2024
- CeeDee Lamb - 1,194
- Jalen Tolbert - 610
4) Michael Pittman Jr.
The Reliable Chain Mover

Championship offenses need more than highlight-reel receivers. They need someone quarterbacks trust when the sticks say third-and-six. That's where Michael Pittman Jr. thrives.

Pittman wins with toughness, body control and outstanding hands rather than pure speed. He consistently works through contact, boxes out defenders and extends drives by making contested catches look routine.

His arrival gives McCarthy another veteran weapon capable of lining up outside or working intermediate routes over the middle. Defenses focusing too heavily on DK Metcalf could pay the price if Pittman finds favorable one-on-one matchups.

What To Expect

The one thing that stood out to me most when Pittman did his inaugural press conference in Pittsburgh was the Colts inability to maximize his talents.

Indianapolis left plenty of meat on the bone.

In both 2024 and 2025, Pittman was targeted 111 times. Between 2021-23, Pittman had 426 targets that averaged out to 142 per season. Built on being the possession guy, it’s unlikely that he’ll hit 142 but 120 seems reasonable in 2026.

Projections
- Targets: 120
- Receptions: 74
- Yards: 803
- Touchdowns: 4
Career Snapshot
- 6 NFL seasons
- 485 receptions
- 5,254 receiving yards
- 25 receiving touchdowns
- 4% career catch rate
- Back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons (2021, 2023)
- Career-high 109 receptions (2023)
- 262 career first downs
Green Bay Packers – Top 2 Receiving Yard Leaders by Season (2006–2017)

2006
- Donald Driver - 1,295
- Greg Jennings - 632
2007
- Donald Driver - 1,048
- Greg Jennings - 920
2008
- Greg Jennings - 1,292
- Donald Driver - 1,012
2009
- Greg Jennings - 1,113
- Donald Driver - 1,061
2010
- Greg Jennings - 1,265
- Donald Driver - 565
2011
- Jordy Nelson - 1,263
- Greg Jennings - 949
2012
- Randall Cobb - 954
- James Jones - 784
2013
- Jordy Nelson - 1,314
- Jarrett Boykin - 681
2014
- Jordy Nelson - 1,519
- Randall Cobb - 1,287
2015
- James Jones - 890
- Randall Cobb - 829
2016
- Jordy Nelson - 1,257
- Davante Adams - 997
2017
- Davante Adams - 885
- Randall Cobb - 653
Dallas Cowboys - Top 2 Receiving Yard Leaders by Season (2020–2024)

2020
- Amari Cooper - 1,114
- CeeDee Lamb - 935
2021
- CeeDee Lamb - 1,102
- Amari Cooper - 865
2022
- CeeDee Lamb - 1,359
- Dalton Schultz - 577
2023
- CeeDee Lamb - 1,749
- Brandin Cooks - 657
2024
- CeeDee Lamb - 1,194
- Jalen Tolbert - 610
5) Pat Freiermuth
The Middle-of-the-Field Mismatch

Authur Smith overkilled the Steelers offense last season with Jonnu Smith. A crime against humanity in terms of play-calling in the NFL.

Mike McCarthy has always appreciated tight ends capable of creating favorable matchups, and Pat Freiermuth should find an easier path towards making plays this season.

Whether aligned in-line, detached from the formation or flexed into the slot, Freiermuth presents problems for linebackers and safeties alike.

What to Expect

Freiermuth and Darnell Washington have been in two-tight sets plenty in camp. We know Washington’s trajectory is on the rise. That doesn’t diminish Freiermuth’s value to McCarthy’s offensive scheme.

A modest injection of seeing #88 making plays and more opportunities to say “MUUUUUUTH!”

Career Snapshot
- 5 NFL seasons
- 261 receptions
- 2,676 receiving yards
- 22 touchdowns
- 3% career catch rate
- 144 career first downs
- Career-high 732 receiving yards (2022)
- Two seasons with seven touchdown receptions
Projections
- Targets: 67
- Receptions: 48
- Yards: 494
- Touchdowns: 4
5) Germie Bernard
The Wild Card

Every training camp produces one player whose ceiling becomes impossible to ignore. Germie Bernard has an opportunity to become that player.

While he arrives without NFL statistics, Bernard's college tape consistently showcased his ability to separate against man coverage and create explosive plays after the catch.

McCarthy has never been afraid to trust young receivers and loves developing rookies, especially on for the offense.

Roman Wilson has performed admirably thus far in all phases of the off-season and that could impede the immediate impact in his rookie campaign.

What to Expect

The rookie enters Pittsburgh with an intriguing blend of acceleration, route-running polish and competitive toughness.

Gradual growth for Bernard from Michigan State to Washington and eventually Alabama. Expect the same trajectory for the rookie. Quietly building his resume until he becomes one of the staples of Pittsburgh’s offense.

Quick Snapshot
- Rookie wide receiver
- Height: 6-foot-1
- Weight: 204 pounds
- Selected by Pittsburgh in the 2026 NFL Draft
- Physical route runner with reliable hands
- Strong yards-after-catch potential
- Developmental upside as a future starting receiver
Projections
- Targets: 67
- Receptions: 43
- Yards: 581
- Touchdowns: 3
6) Darnell Washington
Who Rises Up as Fourth Option

While Jaylen Warren, DK Metcalf, and Michael Pittman Jr. project as the focal points of Pittsburgh's offense, the supporting cast could be what elevates the unit to another level. Rico Dowdle, Germie Bernard, Pat Freiermuth, and Roman Wilson each bring a different dimension to Mike McCarthy's system.

Dowdle provides a dependable complement in the backfield, Bernard adds speed and big-play potential as a rookie, Freiermuth remains a reliable target over the middle and in the red zone, and Wilson has the opportunity to take a significant leap in his second season.

Together, they give Aaron Rodgers a deep collection of playmakers capable of exploiting favorable matchups. If each player settles into his role, the Steelers won't be relying on just three stars they'll feature one of the deepest and most balanced collections of offensive weapons McCarthy has coached in years.

History says it’s receiver followed by tight end but Dowdle has experience in Dallas with McCarthy does that give him confidence in more playing time.

Green Bay Packers (2006–2017) 4th-Highest Offensive Yardage Producer
- 2006: Vernand Morency (RB) - 421 rushing yards
- 2007: James Jones (WR) - 676 receiving yards
- 2008: Jordy Nelson (WR) - 366 receiving yards
- 2009: Jermichael Finley (TE) - 676 receiving yards
- 2010: Jordy Nelson (WR) - 582 receiving yards
- 2011: Jermichael Finley (TE) - 767 receiving yards
- 2012: Jordy Nelson (WR) - 745 receiving yards
- 2013: Jarrett Boykin (WR) - 681 receiving yards
- 2014: Davante Adams (WR) - 446 receiving yards
- 2015: James Starks (RB) - 601 rushing yards
- 2016: Randall Cobb (WR) - 610 receiving yards
- 2017: Jordy Nelson (WR) - 482 receiving yards
Dallas Cowboys (2020–2024) 4th-Highest Offensive Yardage Producer
- 2020: Michael Gallup (WR) - 843 receiving yards
- 2021: Dalton Schultz (TE) - 808 receiving yards
- 2022: Dalton Schultz (TE) - 577 receiving yards
- 2023: Jake Ferguson (TE) - 761 receiving yards
- 2024: Jake Ferguson (TE) - 494 receiving yards
Overall, Fourth Highest in Yardage by Position
- Receivers: 9
- Tight Ends: 6
- Running Backs: 2
Green Bay (2006-2017)
- Receivers: 8
- Running Backs: 2
- Tight Ends: 2
Dallas (2020-2024)
- Tight Ends: 4
- Running Backs: 1
1) Mike McCarthy
Mike McCarthy's Record and Scoring Offenses by Season

The Pittsburgh Steelers ranked 15^th in the National Football League in points per game. It’s in the middle of the pack and in comparison, to how the offense used to function during the Ben Roethlisberger era.

Since his retirement (2021), Pittsburgh’s offenses have failed to deliver.

However, Steeler Nation is not into mediocrity. It’s what eventually led to Mike Tomlin losing his grip on the team despite never enduring a losing season over his 19 years in Pittsburgh.

Mike McCarthy’s resume with offenses in superior.

Entering his 19^th season as a head coach. His offenses have ranked in the top ten twelve times and finished number one four times.

A successful offensive unit seems apparently in the cards for Pittsburgh and we’re going to skim through the Steelers offensive weapons and find out who are the going to be the main ingredients in McCarthy’s system.

2006
- Packers
- Record: 8-8
- Ranked Offense: 22nd
2007
- Packers
- Record: 13-3
- Ranked Offense: 4th
2008
- Packers
- Record: 6-10
- Ranked Offense: 5th
2009
- Packers
- Record: 11-5
- Ranked Offense: 3rd
2010
- Packers
- Record: 10-6
- Ranked Offense: 10th
2011
- Packers
- Record: 15-1
- Ranked Offense: 1st
2012
- Packers
- Record: 11-5
- Ranked Offense: 5th
2013
- Packers
- Record: 8-7-1
- Ranked Offense: 8th
2014
- Packers
- Record: 12-4
- Ranked Offense: 1st
2015
- Packers
- Record: 10-6
- Ranked Offense: 15th
2016
- Packers
- Record: 10-6
- Ranked Offense: 4th
2017
- Packers
- Record: 7-9
- Ranked Offense: 21st (Aaron Rodgers missed significant time)
2018
- Packers
- Record: 4-7-1 (Fired after 12 games)
- Ranked Offense: 14th
2020
- Cowboys
- Record: 6-10
- Ranked Offense: 17th (Dak Prescott injured)
2021
- Cowboys
- Record: 12-5
- Ranked Offense: 1st
2022
- Cowboys
- Record: 12-5
- Ranked Offense: 4th
2023
- Cowboys
- Record: 12-5
- Ranked Offense: 1st (McCarthy called plays)
2024
- Cowboys
- Record: 7-10
- Ranked Offense: 21st